Dirty Brownies Gone Clean

Few things in life are better than a seriously fudgy brownie. I don’t like cakey brownies, no. That’s like saying- hey, do you enjoy watery hummus? I like fudgy, moist- you can taste the chocolate chunks kinda-brownies. The ones that melt in your mouth, and would never crumble as you take that first bite. But- what can possibly be better than a brownie compromised of three layers: paleo chocolate chip cookie dough at the bottom, gluten-free Oreo cookies or vegan marshmallows in the middle, & double chocolate almond flour brownies on top? The answer is: nothing. Seriously.

Up until a year ago, I didn’t know what a Dirty Brownie was. Like, absolutely no clue. And then I read in one of my celebrity gossip mags while flying home with the munchkins last summer that two A-listers refer to them as “Slutty Brownies” and basically call them “the best brownies, ever!”. I now know (exactly) why. I get it. I think everyone who tries this dessert has a duty to share this three layer concoction with the rest of humanity. Failure to do so would be selfish.

Before I keep on writing; yes, I read cheap tabloids (from time to time). I used to read them ALL the time before I had kids. I found them highly amusing & just a source of mindless entertainment. A way to relax and destress. (Don’t judge, okay.) I now mostly read them when I travel. I start on them as soon as the kids doze off on the plane: am all
giddy and I almost sing to myself: it’s trashy tabloid time!

Before you guys enter a state of panic over the obviously decadent appearance of this triple decker stack, let me tell you that it’s fully free from gluten and dairy. And aside from the middle-cookie layer, the bottom and top layer are refined-sugar free, too. The paleo cookie dough and brownies are sweetened with your choice of agave or pure maple syrup. You could also use rice malt syrup or date nectar. Basically, any low-glycemic index sweetener that’s unrefined is better than white, processed sugar.

Both; the chocolate chip cookie dough and the double chocolate brownies have almond flour, or almond meal; a totally paleo flour made from you guessed it, ground almonds! I love and use Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour. Easy to find and always fresh. You may find almond flour is a bit on the pricier side. If you’re looking to save a penny you could make these with prepared/boxed gluten-free cookie dough and boxed GF brownies. The one thing I must add is: when you use brownie mix, while they may be gluten-free, they always have white sugar. So just something to keep in mind. You can’t quite fully win with those ready-to-bake mixes.

Fold the chocolate chips into the batter. Let the batter chill in the fridge for about 10 mins, and then place & press inside a parchment paper lined brownie pan. This is the first layer.

For the Oreo or Marshmallow Layer

Place as many cookies or marshmallows you want so as to cover the cookie dough layer and create a sort of barrier before the brownie batter shows up. I wouldn’t recommend stacking them, just scattered enough to cover the cookie dough. No need to break them into smaller pieces, either. Place the whole cookie down. This is the middle layer.

For the Double Chocolate Brownies

Melt the coconut oil and chocolate chips in a bowl that’s placed directly over a gently simmering sauce pan filled with water. You could microwave them, too. Just make sure not to scorch the chocolate.

Pour all the dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix well with a whisk

Using the same whisk (but in a separate bowl) whisk the egg, maple syrup and vanilla extract for 1-2 minutes.

Gently pour them into the wet ingredients bowl with the melted chocolate & coconut oil, whisking well to integrate

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and whisk until smooth.

Layer the raw brownie batter on top of the Oreo or marshmallow layer. Since this batter is a bit on the thicker side, I recommend using a spatula to stretch it out and cover all corners & even it out nicely.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 35-40 mins, always checking them at the 30 min mark in case they’re ready. All ovens vary. The trick to gooey brownies is to slightly under bake.

Notes:

Always allow to cool completely before cutting. I didn’t do so, and you may end up with uneven slices. Frankly, am not very patient when chocolate is involved. 🙂

If you decide to do gluten-free boxed brownies, more or less cooking time may be required depending on the brand you select.